Three long-time professional associations formalised an agreement recently that the organisations' leaders say will lead to stronger ties, shared resources and cross-membership for members (Ed: something worth noting by associations worldwide).

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding means greater organisational stability and growth for the Carpet & Rug Cleaners Institute of Illinois (CRCII), the Low Moisture Carpet Cleaning Association (LMCCA) and the Professional Cleaning and Restoration Alliance (PCRA), reports LMCCA president Lonnie McDonald.

"Today, members of any association - cleaning or otherwise - are looking for real value," he notes. "They want to learn new techniques, save money running their businesses and stay on top of what's going on in the industry. Together, we can strengthen the value we deliver to members on all fronts."The Memorandum of Understanding includes, but is not limited to, the ability to promote each other's respective associations and providing mutual technical support. Notably, all members of each association also become members in all three associations.

Don Quick, president of CRCII, believes that the agreement was good for all involved. "There's leverage when we work together," he argues. "We can do more for our members when we represent a larger group of members and work in a unified manner."

The organisations have very different histories and geographies, points out Patrick Paluga, president of PCRA. But he is quick to add that this is a benefit of the alliance. "Down here in the sunbelt, we'd love to hear what's working - and what isn't - for cleaning professionals in Illinois. Different markets mean different innovations," he says.